Device for fixing camera module circuit board, and camera module

ABSTRACT

A device for fixing a camera module, includes a base part; and a fixing unit including a first fixing part for supporting one side of each of a plurality of boards, and a second fixing part for supporting the other side facing one side of each of the plurality of boards, wherein a plurality of first fixing parts extends in a first direction from the base part, and includes a plurality of protruding parts protruding in the direction perpendicular to the first direction in order to support one side of each of the plurality of boards, and a plurality of second fixing parts extends in the first direction from the base part, and includes a plurality of protruding parts for supporting the other side of each of the plurality of boards.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/846,799, filed Apr. 13, 2020; which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/093,040, filed Oct. 11, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,660,204, issued May 19, 2020; which is the U.S. national stageapplication of International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2017/004064,filed Apr. 14, 2017, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 ofKorean Application Nos. 10-2016-0045409, filed Apr. 14, 2016; and10-2016-0092447, filed Jul. 21, 2016; the disclosures of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The teachings in accordance with exemplary and non-limiting embodimentsof this invention relate generally to a device for fixing camera modulecircuit board and a camera module.

BACKGROUND ART

This section provides background information related to the presentinvention, which is not necessarily prior art.

Recently, small IT devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs and gamersare mounted with camera modules and vehicles are also mounted withcamera modules for running record and parking conveniences.

Recently, camera modules mounted on vehicles perform various additionalfunctions in addition to functions to display images. As a result, thecamera modules are mounted with various devices along with an imagesensor, and size of circuit board used for the camera module isgradually increased.

However, the size of camera module is restricted, and recently, in orderto satisfy the limited size of camera module and required area ofcircuit board, a technology of stacking up a plurality of small-sizedcircuit boards inside the camera module has been developed.

The Korea patent publication No.: 10-2010-0048101, entitled as“vehicular camera module (published on May 11, 2010” discloses atechnology in which a plurality of circuit boards is stacked up inside acamera module, and each circuit board is coupled to a housing by afastening screw.

However, the vehicular camera module suffers from disadvantages in thatthe circuit boards are coupled to the housing by a fastening screws toincrease the number of assembly processes, a manufacturing cost causedby screw fastening, and to decrease a parts mounting area of circuitboard caused by screw fastening, whereby an increased number of circuitboards and bending phenomenon of circuit boards may be disadvantageouslygenerated.

Meantime, a vehicle may be mounted with camera modules of variouspurposes. For example, when a vehicle is parked, a camera module capableof obtaining a rear visual range may be mounted on a rear side of thevehicle.

Furthermore, camera modules may be also used for vehicular black boxthat is very usefully employed in order to trace accident causes andaccident circumstances when traffic accidents occur. Moreover, the trendis that the camera modules are gradually used as a recognition device inorder to easily and clearly grasp a circumstance of a blind spot thatcannot be visually ascertained by a driver or a passenger of a vehicle.

Recently, the trend is that manufacturing of smart cars, that is,vehicles mounted with a collision warning system detecting andinhibiting in advance a collision possibility at front and rear sides atthe time of travel of vehicles, and a collision avoidance system by acontrol device capable of directly avoiding collision between vehiclesthat travel by the control device mounted on the vehicle, is on theincrease.

Thus, use of camera modules as recognition means of externalcircumstances of smart cars is on the increase, and as a result,manufacturing and technical development of camera modules are also onthe increasing trend.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Subject

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a device forfixing camera module circuit board configured to inhibit an increasednumber of assembly processes, to reduce a manufacturing cost, to inhibita decreased parts mounting area of circuit board and to inhibit bendingof circuit board by fixing the circuit board inside a housing withoutusing a coupling screw when the circuit board is fixed inside thehousing, and a camera module including the device for fixing cameramodule circuit board.

Furthermore, exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to acamera module having a structure configured to inhibit decreased imagequality caused by static electricity and to inhibit decreased EMC(Electro Magnetic Compatibility).

The technical subjects to be implemented by the exemplary embodimentsare not limited to the abovementioned technical subjects, and othertechnical subjects not mentioned above may be clearly appreciated by theskilled in the art through the following descriptions.

Technical Solution

A device for fixing a camera module circuit board (hereinafter referredto as “camera module circuit board fixing device”, and more simply as“device”) according to an exemplary embodiment is provided, comprising:

a base part; and

a fixing unit including a first fixing part for supporting one side ofeach of a plurality of boards, and a second fixing part for supportingthe other side facing one side of each of the plurality of boards,wherein the plurality of first fixing parts extends in a first directionfrom the base part, and includes a plurality of protruding partsprotruding in the direction perpendicular to the first direction inorder to support one side of each of the plurality of boards, and theplurality of second fixing parts extends in the first direction from thebase part, and includes a plurality of protruding parts for supportingthe other side of each of the plurality of boards.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first fixing part may beextensively disposed from a corner area mutually opposite to the basepart, and the protruding parts of first fixing part may be formed bybending an area protruded from a lateral surface of the first fixingpart.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first fixing part may be such thata pair of first fixing parts is disposed on the base part, each facingthe other first fixing part, and the protruding parts of first fixingparts may be so formed as to protrude into an inner space mounted withthe board.

Preferably, but not necessarily, a protruding length of the first fixingpart may be decreased while being distanced from the base part.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the second fixing part may be formed byextending to the first direction from mutually parallel sides of thebase part, and the protruding parts of the second fixing part mayprotrude toward an inner space mounted with the board in order tosupport the other side of the board.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the second fixing part may be formedwith a sill formed between the protruding parts of second fixing part.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first fixing part may be formedwith a first width, and the second fixing part may be formed with asecond width narrower than the first width.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the plurality of boards may include arigid circuit board in which a plurality of vertically mutually oppositeboards is stacked up, and a flexible circuit board mutually andelectrically connecting the rigid circuit boards.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the boards may be respectively formedwith escape grooves, each having a mutually different size, in order toinhibit interference with at least a portion of protruding parts amongthe protruding parts of the first fixing part.

A camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention comprises:

a fixing unit including a base part and a first fixing part forsupporting one side of each of a plurality of boards, and a secondfixing part for supporting the other side facing one side of each of theplurality of boards;

an image sensor mounted on a board disposed at an uppermost area in theplurality of boards;

a lens disposed on a path of a light introduced into the image sensor;

a lens barrel fixing the lens; and

a housing accommodating the fixing unit, the image sensor and the lens,wherein the plurality of first fixing parts extends in a first directionfrom the base part, and includes a plurality of protruding partsprotruding in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in orderto support one side of each of the plurality of boards, and theplurality of second fixing parts extends in the first direction from thebase part, and includes a plurality of protruding parts for contactingthe other side of each of the plurality of boards.

A camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention comprises:

a lens part;

a hollowed front body accommodating the lens part in an inner space;

a board part disposed at a rear side of the front body and formed with aplurality of PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards);

a first fence coupled to the board to mutually spacing the plurality ofPCBs apart to an optical axis direction;

a second fence coupled to the first fence a rear side of the firstfence; and

a finger electrically connecting the board part and the second fence.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the plurality of PCBs may include afirst board so disposed as to face the lens part, a third board sodisposed as to be spaced apart from the first board to an optical axisdirection, and a second board respectively spaced apart from the firstboard and the third board in between the first board and the third.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the finger may be electricallyconnected to the second fence and the third board.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the finger may include a board couplingpart coupled to the third board, and an elastic deformation partextensively formed from the board coupling part, and elasticallydeformed, wherein the second fence and the third board are mutually andelectrically connected when the second fence applies a pressure to theelastic deformation part.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the second fence may include a pressurepart protrusively formed to a direction of board part to apply apressure to the finger.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first fence may be formed at oneside with a body coupling part coupled with the front body, wherein thefront body, the body coupling part and the first board may be mutuallycoupled by a coupling device.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first fence may include a firstprotrusion supporting one surface of the PCB, and a second protrusionsupporting the other surface of the PCB.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the second board and the third boardmay be coupled with the first fence by the first protrusion and thesecond protrusion, and the second board and the third board may bediscretely disposed toward an optical axis direction.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the second fence may be formed with ahook attachably and detachably coupled with the first fence, and thefirst fence may be formed with a through hole coupled with the hook.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the second fence may ground the boardpart by being electrically connected to the board part.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the finger may be formed with aberyllium copper.

The camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention may further comprise a cable connector connecting the boardpart with an outside cable.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the cable connector may include a firstconnector coupled with the board part, and a second connector coupledwith the first connector and the outside cable.

A camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention comprises:

a lens part;

a front body coupled by the lens part;

a first board so disposed as to face the lens part;

a third board so disposed as to be spaced apart from the first board toan optical axis direction;

a second board respectively spaced apart from the first board and thethird board in between the first board and the third;

a first fence coupled with the first board, the second board and thethird board to mutually spacing the first board, the second board andthe third board apart to an optical axis direction;

a second fence coupled with the first fence; and

a finger electrically connecting the second fence with the third board,wherein

the finger may include a board coupling part coupled to the third board,and an elastic deformation part extensively formed from the boardcoupling part, and elastically deformed, wherein the second fence andthe third board are mutually and electrically connected when the secondfence applies a pressure to the elastic deformation part.

Advantageous Effects

A device for fixing camera module circuit board and a camera moduleaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can inhibitan increased number of assembly processes, to reduce a manufacturingcost, to inhibit a decreased parts mounting area of circuit board and toinhibit bending of circuit board by securely fixing the circuit boardinside a housing without using a coupling screw when the circuit boardis fixed inside the housing.

The camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of presentinvention has an advantageous effect of easily and consistently aligninga plurality of PCBs mounted on a board part of the camera module to anoptical axis direction by using a first fence including a body couplingpart, a first protrusion and a second protrusion.

Furthermore, a board part and a second fence are electrically connectedto allow a static electricity generated from the board part to flow tothe second fence, and to allow the second fence to function as a groundpart, whereby the static electricity generated from the board part canbe significantly and advantageously reduced.

Still furthermore, exemplary embodiment of the present invention caninhibit a decreased image quality of camera module caused by staticelectricity and to inhibit a decreased EMC (Electro MagneticCompatibility) by eliminating or significantly reducing the staticelectricity generated from the board part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating a camera moduleaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a device for fixing a cameramodule circuit board (“the device”, or the “camera module circuit boardfixing device”) of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing unit of the deviceillustrated in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing unit according to asecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fixing cap coupledto the fixing unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a coupled perspective view of FIG. 6 .

FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings illustrating a sequence of assembling firstto fourth circuit boards to first and second fixing parts of fixing unitaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a camera module according toa third exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a camera moduleaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a camera module according to athird exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a camera moduleaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a camera module of FIG. 15 removed ofsecond fence according to a third exemplary embodiment of presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating FIG. 16 rotated about a z axis.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a first fence according to athird exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view illustrating ‘A’ portion of FIG.13 .

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a third board and a fingeraccording to a third exemplary embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 21 is a lateral view illustrating a finger according to a thirdexemplary embodiment of present invention.

BEST MODE

The exemplary embodiments of present invention will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it shouldbe noted that the present invention is not limited to particularexemplary embodiments, and it will be appreciated that the presentinvention described is intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications, and variations that fall within the scope and novel ideaof the present invention.

Although the terms, first, second, etc., may be used herein todistinguish various elements, these elements should not be limited bythese terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one elementfrom another element. Furthermore, the terms specially defined inconsideration of configurations and operations of exemplary embodimentsare merely to explain the exemplary embodiments and do not restrict thescope of exemplary embodiments.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as beingformed “on” or “under”, it includes both cases where elements may bedirectly connected and/or coupled to the other elements, and whereintervening elements may be indirectly present therebetween.Furthermore, when it is expressed as “on” or “under”, it also includesboth an upward direction and a downward direction.

Furthermore, the relational terms such as “on/upper surface/above” and“lower/bottom surface/under” do not necessarily require or contain anyphysical or logical relationships or sequences, and may be used todistinguish one substance or one element from other substances or otherelements.

Still furthermore, an orthogonal coordinate system (x,y,z) may be usedin the drawings. The x axis and y axis in the drawings may mean a plainsurface perpendicular to an optical axis, and, for convenience sake, anoptical axis direction (z axis direction) may be defined as a firstdirection, an x axis direction may be defined as a second direction, anda y axis direction may be defined as a third direction.

A camera module according to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention may have a first exemplary embodiment, a second exemplaryembodiment, and a third exemplary embodiment. The camera moduleaccording the first and second exemplary embodiments relates to a cameramodule including a device for fixing a camera module circuit board forsecurely fixing a circuit board, and the camera module according to thethird exemplary embodiment of the present invention concerns a cameramodule including a first fence and a second fence for EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility).

First, a camera module according to the first and second exemplaryembodiments will be described.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating a camera moduleaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of present invention, and FIG.2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a camera module (700) according to thefirst exemplary embodiment of present invention may include a device forfixing a camera module circuit board (100, hereinafter referred to as“camera module circuit board fixing device”, and more simply as“device”), an image sensor (200), a lens (300), a lens barrel (400) anda housing (500).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a device for fixing a cameramodule circuit board (“the device”, or the “camera module circuit boardfixing device”) of FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the device (100) may include a fixing unit (180)fixing a plurality of circuit boards (110). The circuit board (110)according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention maybe securely fixed by the fixing unit (180). Four circuit boards (110)according to the first exemplary embodiment may be fixed by the fixingunits (180), for example.

Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the circuit board (110)will be divided to a first circuit board (112), a second circuit board(114), a third circuit board (116) and a fourth circuit board (118). Thefirst to fourth circuit boards (112,114,116,118) may respectivelyinclude a rigid circuit board.

The first circuit board (112), the second circuit board (114), the thirdcircuit board (116) and the fourth circuit board (118) may be connectedin series by the rigid circuit boards (113,115,117) according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The first and second circuit boards (112,114), the second and thirdcircuit boards (114,116) and the third and fourth circuit boards(116,118) may be mutually and electrically connected by the rigidcircuit boards (113,115,117) respectively.

The first to fourth circuit boards (112,114,116,118) may be respectivelyformed with a concave groove in order to inhibit each rigid circuitboard (113,115,117) from being bent. The first to fourth circuit boards(112,114,116,118) may be stacked up and arranged in a zigzagged manner.For example, an upper surface of the first circuit board (112) may bedisposed with the second circuit board (114), and an upper surface ofsecond circuit board (114) may be disposed with the third circuit board(116), and an upper surface of third circuit board (116) may be disposedwith the fourth circuit board (118).

The stacked-up first to fourth circuit boards (112,114,116,118) may bemutually spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, andthe distance among the first to fourth circuit boards (112,114,116,118)may be mutually same or may be mutually different.

Meantime, an area of third circuit board (116) may be greater than thatof the second circuit board (114), and an area of the fourth circuitboard (118) may be greater than that of the third circuit board (116).The first circuit board (112) according to the first exemplaryembodiment may be mounted with an image sensor (200), and the fourthcircuit board (118) may be mounted with a connector.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing unit of the deviceillustrated in FIG. 3 .

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the fixing unit (180) may function to fixthe circuit board (110) including the aforementioned first to fourthcircuit boards (112,114,116,118) without recourse to screw-connection.The fixing unit (180) may include a base part (120), a first fixing part(130) and a second fixing part (140).

The base part (120), the first fixing part (130) and the second fixingpart (140) according to an exemplary embodiment may be integrallyformed, for example. Although the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention has illustrated and explained that the base part (120), thefirst fixing part (130) and the second fixing part (140) are integrallyformed, the base part (120), the first fixing part (130) and the secondfixing part (140) may be assembled or welded while being mutually spacedapart.

The base part (120) may take a plate shape, for example, and the basepart (120) may be fixed by being coupled to a housing (500, describedlater). The shape of base part (120) may be determined by the shape ofhousing (500), and when the housing (500) takes a cubic shape, the basepart (120) may take a shape of a square plate adequate for beingaccommodated into the housing (500), for example.

The base part (120) may be formed at a center thereof with an opening(122) through which a connector can pass. At least one first fixing part(130) may be extended from an edge of the base part (120) to one side ofthe base part (120).

A pair of first fixing parts (130), each facing the other, according toan exemplary embodiment, may be extended from both edges (each edgefacing the other) of the base part (120) to a first direction. The firstdirection may be a height direction relative to the base part (120), forexample. The first direction may be a direction perpendicular to thebase part (120), and may be formed by being extended to a directionperpendicular to a corner or an edge of base part (120).

The first fixing unit (130) may take a rectangular plate shape, forexample. Although the first exemplary embodiment has illustrated andexplained that the first fixing part (130) takes a rectangular plateshape, the first fixing part (130) may be formed with various plateshapes.

The first fixing part (130) may include support parts (132,133,134)protruded to a direction perpendicular to the first direction which is aheight direction relative to the base part (120). The support parts(132,133,134) may function to inhibit the second to fourth circuitboards (114,116,118) from being separated. The support parts(132,133,134) of the first fixing part (130) may be called lugs of thefirst fixing part (130). That is, the first fixing part (130) may beextended in a plural number from the base part (120) to a firstdirection, and may include a plurality of lugs, each protruding to adirection perpendicular to the first direction in order to support oneside of the plurality of boards (110).

The number of support parts (132,133,134) may be determined by thenumber of circuit boards (110). Three support parts (132,133,134), forexample, in the first exemplary embodiment may be formed at the firstfixing part (130) in order to support one side of second to fourthcircuit boards (114,116,118) except for the first circuit board (112)arranged on the base part (120). The one side of circuit board in thepresent specification may be an upper surface (or lower surface) of thecircuit board, and the other side of circuit board may be a lower side(or upper surface) of the circuit board.

The support part (122) supporting the second circuit board (114) may beformed, for example, by bending an area protruded from both lateralsurfaces of the first fixing part (130) toward a lower surface of thesecond circuit board (114).

The support part (133) supporting the third circuit board (116) may beformed, for example, by bending an area protruded from both lateralsurfaces of the first fixing part (130) toward a lower surface of thethird circuit board (116). The support part (134) supporting the fourthcircuit board (118) may be formed, for example, by cutting off a portionof the first fixing unit (130) and inwardly protruding the cut-off areafrom outside of the first fixing part (130).

In order to arrange the second to fourth circuit boards (114,116,118) inthe first exemplary embodiment, a protruding length of the support parts(132,133,134) respectively supporting a bottom surface of the second tofourth circuit boards (114,116,118) may be intermittently shortenedwhile being distanced from the base part (120). The size of boardsupported by the support part (134) may be determined in response to theprotruding length of the support parts (132,133,134). The protrudinglength of the support parts (132,133,134) may be shortened while beingdistanced from the base part (120), and in order to be correspondentthereto, the size of a direction perpendicular to the first direction ofthe board may be also shortened while being distanced from the base part(120).

Furthermore, the second to fourth circuit boards (114,116,118) may beformed with escape grooves for coupling without being interfered withthe support parts (132,133,134). An area of the escape groove may be soformed as to allow the second circuit board (114) to be the largestwhile the fourth circuit board (118) is the smallest.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 again, the second fixing part (140) caninhibit the second to fourth circuit boards (114,116,118) respectivelysupported by the support parts (132,133,134) of the first fixing part(130) from being separated form an upper surface.

The second fixing part (140), a pair of second fixing parts (140), eachone facing the other, for example, may be arranged to the firstdirection relative to the base part (120). Hence, the second fixing part(140) may be disposed in parallel with the first fixing part (130), andmay be arranged perpendicularly relative to the first fixing part (130)when viewed from a plane.

When the second fixing part (140) is arranged in a pair on the base part(120) relative to the first fixing part (130), four areas of second tofourth circuit boards (114,116,118) may be stably fixed by the first andsecond fixing parts (130,140), whereby the second to fourth circuitboards (114,116,118) can be inhibited from being separated and fromvertically moving. The second fixing part (140) may be formed from anedge of the base part (120) to the first direction.

The second fixing part (140) may take a rectangular plate shape whenviewed from a lateral surface, for example. Although the first exemplaryembodiment has illustrated and explained that the second fixing part(140) is formed with a square plate shape, alternatively, the secondfixing part (140) may be formed with various plate shapes.

A width of second fixing part (140) may be formed narrower than thewidth of first fixing part (130), which is to inhibit an area formedwith the second fixing part (140) from being interfered with theflexible circuit boards (113,115,117) that connect the first to fourthcircuit boards (112,114,116,118).

The second fixing part (140) may be formed with protrusions (143,143,144) relative to the base (120) along the height direction. Thesecond fixing part (140) may include protrusions that are extended inplural number from the base part (120) to the first direction, andsupport or contact the other sides of the plurality of boards (110). Thefirst direction may be a direction perpendicular to the base part (120).The protrusions (142,143,144) may be formed on a position correspondingto the second to fourth circuit boards (114,116,118) except the firstcircuit board (112) arranged on an upper surface of base part (120).

The protrusion (142) formed on the second fixing part (140) in the firstexemplary embodiment may contact or apply a pressure an upper surface ofsecond circuit board (114), where the second circuit board (114) may notbe vertically moved by the support part (132) of first fixing part (130)and the protrusion (142) of second fixing part (140).

The protrusion (142) fixing the second circuit board (114) may be formedby cutting off a portion of the second fixing part (140), and bendingthe cut-off portion toward an upper surface of the second circuit board(114).

The protrusion (143) formed on the second fixing part (140) in the firstexemplary embodiment may contact or apply a pressure to an upper surfaceof third circuit board (116), where the third circuit board (116) maynot be vertically moved by the support part (133) of first fixing part(130) and the protrusion (143) of second fixing part (140).

The protrusion (143) fixing the third circuit board (116) may be formedby cutting off a portion of the second fixing part (140), and bendingthe cut-off portion toward an upper surface of the third circuit board(116).

The protrusion (144) formed on the second fixing part (140) in thesecond exemplary embodiment may contact or apply a pressure to an uppersurface of fourth circuit board (118), where the fourth circuit board(118) may not be vertically moved by the support part (134) of firstfixing part (130) and the protrusion (144) of second fixing part (140).

The protrusion (144) fixing the fourth circuit board (118) may be formedby cutting off a portion of the second fixing part (140), and bendingthe cut-off portion toward an upper surface of the fourth circuit board(118).

The second to fourth circuit boards (114,116,118) fixed by theprotrusions (142,143,144) according to the first exemplary embodimentare gradually increased in plain surfaces thereof, as explained above,such that a step portion may be formed on the respective protrusions(142,143,144) of the second fixing part (140) in consideration of theplain surfaces of the second to fourth circuit boards (114,116,118).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing unit according to asecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The fixing unit issubstantially same in terms of configuration as that illustrated inFIGS. 2 to 4 except for support part and the protrusions. Thus,redundant explanation to the same configurations will be omitted, andsame reference numerals and nomenclatures will be provided to those asin FIGS. 2 and 4 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the fixing unit (180) may include a base part(120), a first fixing part (130) and a second fixing part (140).

The first fixing part (130) may include support parts (132 a,133 a,134a) formed along a height direction relative to the base part (120).

Each of the support parts (132 a,133 a,134 a) may be formed by cuttingoff a portion of first fixing part (130) and protruding the cut-offportion to an inner surface direction facing an outer surface of thefirst fixing part (130) from the outer surface of the first fixing part(130), and the support parts (132 a,133 a,134 a) may support a lowersurface of the second to fourth circuit boards (114,116,118).

The second fixing part (140) may include protrusions (142 a,143 a,144 a)formed along a height direction relative to the base part (120).

Each of the protrusions (142 a,143 a,144 a) may be formed by cutting offa portion of the second fixing part (140) and protruding the cut-offportion to an inner surface direction facing an outer surface from theouter surface of the second fixing part (140), and each of theprotrusions (142 a,143 a,144 a) may contact an upper surface of secondto fourth circuit boards (114,116,118).

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fixing cap coupledto the fixing unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of presentinvention, and FIG. 7 is a coupled perspective view of FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the first and second fixing parts(130, 140) are opened up while the first to fourth circuit boards(112,114,116,118) are coupled to the first and second fixing parts (130,140) of fixing unit (180), the first to fourth circuit boards(112,114,116,118) may be separated from the first and second fixingparts (130,140).

In order to inhibit this occurrence, the fixing unit may include afixing cap (150). The fixing cap (150) may be coupled to the first andsecond fixing parts (130,140) to inhibit the fixing parts (130,140) frombeing opened. The fixing cap (150) may be manufactured with variousmaterials such as metal materials having a strong rigidity and easy inprocessing, and synthetic resin materials easy in processing andformable of complex shapes. The fixing cap (150) may be formed in ashape of a lid, and the fixing cap may include a lateral wall (155) andan upper plate (159).

The upper plate (159) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the basepart (120) of fixing unit (180), for example. When the base part (120)is formed with a shape of a square plate, for example, the upper plate(159) may be also formed in the shape corresponding to the base part(120), and the upper plate (159) in the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention may be formed with a shape of a square plate.

The upper plate (159) may be formed with an opening (158) exposing aconnector connected to the fourth circuit board (118) of fixing unit(180). Meantime, a separation prevention part (157) may be formed aboutthe opening formed at the upper plate (159) that is bent inwardly of theupper plate (159) to contact or apply a pressure to an upper surface ofthe fourth circuit board (118) whereby the separation or deviation ofthe fourth circuit board (118) can be inhibited or restricted onceagain.

An edge of the upper plate (159) may be integrally formed with lateralwalls (155), and the lateral walls (155) may be respectively contactedto an outsides of the first and second fixing parts (130,140) to inhibitthe first and second fixing parts (130,140) from being opened.

Meantime, the lateral walls (155) may be formed with hitching parts(151) coupled to the first and second fixing parts (130,140), forexample. The hitching part (151) may be formed by cutting off andbending a portion of lateral wall (155), and the first fixing part (130)corresponding to the hitching part (151) may be formed with a throughhole (137) to be coupled to the first fixing part (130) by way of hookmethod.

The lateral wall (155) may be formed with at least one bendingprevention rib (152) in order to inhibit the lateral wall (155) frombeing bent.

FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings illustrating a sequence of assembling firstto fourth circuit boards to first and second fixing parts of fixing unitaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the base part (120) of fixing unit (180) may befixed and coupled by the first circuit board (112).

Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the first and second fixingparts (130,140) may be such that the second circuit board is so coupledas to face the first circuit board, and as illustrated in FIG. 10 , thefirst and second fixing parts (130,140) may be such that the thirdcircuit board (116) is so coupled as to face the second circuit board(114).

Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the first and second fixingparts (130,140) may be such that the fourth circuit board (118) is socoupled as to face the third circuit board (116).

Referring to FIG. 2 again, the device for fixing a camera module circuitboard (100, “camera module circuit board fixing device”, “device”)including the fixing unit (180) explained through FIG. 3 may be coupledto an inside of housing (500), where the housing (500) may be coupled bya lens assembly (4000 coupled by the lens (300).

As explained in detail from the foregoing discussion, the device and thecamera module according to the first and second exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention can inhibit an increased number of assemblyprocesses, to reduce a manufacturing cost, to inhibit a decreased partsmounting area of circuit board and to inhibit bending of circuit boardby securely fixing the circuit board inside a housing without using acoupling screw when the circuit board is fixed inside the housing.

Now, a camera module according to a third exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention will be described.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a camera module according toa third exemplary embodiment of present invention, FIG. 12 is anexploded perspective view illustrating a camera module according to athird exemplary embodiment of present invention, and FIG. 13 is a frontview illustrating a camera module according to a third exemplaryembodiment of present invention.

The camera module according the third exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention may include a lens part (1100), a front body (1200), aboard part (1300), a first fence (1400), a second fence (1500), an imagesensor (1700), a fastening device (1810), a sealing member (1820) and acable connector (1830).

The lens part (1100) may be an area where an outside light is incident,and may include a lens barrel mounted with at least one lens. At thistime, the lens barrel may be formed with a single lens, but may beformed with a plurality of lenses each lens aligned to an optical axisdirection, that is, a first direction. In another exemplary embodiment,the lens barrel may be such that one lens or a plurality of lenses isdirectly coupled to the front body (1200).

Furthermore, the lens part (1100) may be coupled with the front body(1200) by way of methods such as screw-connection and press-fit, and asealing member (1820) may be provided to inhibit foreign objects such asmoisture and dust from being introduced in the camera module through agap formed between the lens part (1100) and the front body (1200).

The sealing member (1820), as illustrated in FIG. 12 , may be disposedat a coupled area between the lens part (1100) and the front body(1200), and may be disposed in the shape of an O-ring, for example.

The front body (1200) may be disposed in a shape of a hollow holeaccommodating the lens part (1100) into an inner space. The front body(1200) may be mounted at a front side with the lens part (1100). To thisend, the front body (1200) may be formed with a hollow hole mounted withthe lens part (1100).

The front body (1200) may be coupled with a housing (not shown). Thecoupling between the front body (1200) and the housing may beimplemented by a coupling device (not shown), for example. Toward thisend, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 , an corner area of front body(1200) may be formed with a through hole into which the coupling deviceis inserted.

However, the above explained discussion is merely an exemplaryembodiment, and in another exemplary embodiment, the front body (1200)and the housing may be coupled with methods such as adhesion andpress-fit without recourse to using a coupling device.

The cable connector (1830) may function to connect the board part (1300)to an outside cable. The camera module may receive a power from outsidethrough an outside cable (not shown) electrically connected to the cableconnector (1830) or may exchange an electrical signal with an outsidedevice.

The cable connector (1830) may include a first connector (1831) and asecond connector (1832). The first connector (1831) may be coupled withthe board part (1300) and the second connector (1832) may be coupledwith the first connector (1831) and the outside cable.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , the first connector (1831) may be coupledwith a third board (1313) that is disposed at a rearmost area of theboard part (1300), for example, and the second connector (1832) may becoupled with the first connector (1831), and the outside cable may becoupled with the second connector (1832). Because of this structure, theboard part (1300) and the outside cable can be electrically and mutuallyconnected.

The board part (1300) may be disposed at a rear side of front body(1200), and may be formed with a plurality of PCBs (1310). The boardpart (1300) may include a PCB (1310) and a connector (1320).

The PCBs (1310), as illustrated in FIG. 12 , may be disposed in pluralnumber to an optical axis direction, each spaced apart from the otherPCB. The PCB (1310) may be disposed to face the lens part (1100) in aplural number. Although FIG. 12 has illustrated four PCBs (1310) as anexemplary embodiment, more than four PCBs or fewer than four PCBs may bedisposed.

Hereinafter, the board part (1300) including the PCB (1310) according tothe third exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13 will bedescribed. The PCB (1310) may include a first board (1311), a secondboard (1312) and a third board (1313).

The first board (1311) may be so disposed as to face the lens part(1100). The third board (1313) may be so disposed as to be spaced apartfrom the first board (1311) to the optical axis direction. The secondboard (1312) may be so disposed between the first board (1311) and thethird board (1313) as to be spaced apart from the first board (1311) andthe third board (1313).

At this time, the second board (1312) may include a 2-1 board (1312-1)disposed near to the first board (1311) and a 2-2 board (1312-2)disposed near to the third board (1313). However, the present inventionis not limited thereto, and the second board (1312) may be formed withone board, or with more than three (3) boards each arranged to anoptical axis direction.

The first board (1311) may face the lens part (1100), but may bedisposed adjacent to the lens part (1100), and may be mounted with animage sensor (1700) at a surface opposite to the lens part (1100), i.e.,a front surface, and may be formed with electronic circuits formed withvarious circuit devices.

The image sensor (1700) may sense a light incident on through the lenspart (1100), where the first board (1311) may function to convert thesensed light to an electric signal and transmit the converted electricsignal to an outside image storage or an image reproduction device.However, the conversion of sensed image to an electric signal may bealso performed by other boards.

The second board (1312) including the 2-1 board (1312-1) and the 2-2board (1312-2) may be interposed between the first board (1311) and thethird board (1313), where the first board (1311) and the third board(1313) may be electrically connected to form an electromagnetic circuit.

The 2-1 board (1312-1) and the 2-2 board (1312-2) may function to be anelectric path supplying a power to the first board (1311), and mayfunction to transmit the electric signal relative to the sensed imagetransmitted from the first board (1311) to an outside image storage oran image reproduction device.

For example, the 2-1 board (1312-1) and/or the 2-2 board (1312-2) mayfunction to transmit the converted electric signal to an outside storageor an image reproduction device by converting the sensed imagetransmitted from the first board (1311) to an electric signal, or mayfunction to rectify a power inputted from the third board (1313) andtransmit the rectified power to the first board (1311).

That is, the 2-1 board (1312-1) and/or the 2-2 board (1312-2) may beinterposed between the first board (1311) and the third board (1313) topartially perform the role of the first board (1311) and the third board(1313).

The third board (1313) may be disposed at a rear side of second board(1312), electrically connected to the second board (1312) and may forman electromagnetic circuit. As discussed in the foregoing, the thirdboard (1313) may be electrically connected to the cable connector (1830)and an outside cable.

The third board (1313) may largely function to transmit a power to thefirst board (1311) and the second board (1312) by receiving from outsidethe power necessary for operation of camera module, and to transmit anelectric signal relative to the sensed image transmitted from the firstboard (1311) and the second board (1312) to an outside image storage oran image reproduction device.

Hence, the third board (1313) may be mounted with devices such as acondenser, a rectifier and a transformer in order to supply a powerhaving an adequate voltage and current necessary for operation of cameramodule. Furthermore, the third board (1313) may be coupled by the cableconnector (1830) for an electric connection with an outside imagestorage, an image reproduction device and a camera module controller.

The connector (1320) may electrically connect the plurality of PCBs andmay be formed with a flexible material. The connector (1320) mayfunction to electrically connect the plurality of PCBs (1310), that is,the first board (1311), the 2-1 board (1312-1), the 2-2 board (1312-2)and the third board (1313) respectively. The connector (1320) may beformed with one fewer number than that of the PCBs (1310) because theconnector (1320) respectively and electrically connects each board.

In the third exemplary embodiment, and referring to FIG. 17 , the PCBs(1310) may include a total of four boards of a first board (1311), a 2-1board (1312-1), a 2-2 board (1312-2) and a third board (1313), such thatthe connector (1320) may be formed with three, one number fewer than thePCB.

Although FIGS. 12 and 17 has illustrated that one connector (1320)connecting each board in the exemplary embodiment is formed at eachlateral surface of each board, the present invention is not limitedthereto, and the number and arrangement position of connector may beselected in consideration of circuit structure of each board and anoverall structure of camera module.

It would be appropriate that the connector (1320) be formed with softand flexible material in consideration of ease in coupling works witheach board, and necessity of absorbing shocks and vibrations lest thecamera module be damaged by the shocks and vibrations applied fromoutside of the camera module. Thus, the connector (1320) may be formedwith a flexible circuit board. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto, and the connector (1320) may be formed with a rigidmaterial as long as the rigid material is robust to shocks andvibrations, and may be formed by using a bundle of wires.

Furthermore, a soldering and an adhesion method using anelectrically-conductive adhesive may be used to couple the connector(1320) with each board. The connector (1320) may function a role of aB2B (board to board) connector (1320) electrically connecting eachboard.

The first fence (400) may function to mutually space apart a pluralityof PCBs (310) to an optical axis direction by being coupled to the boardpart (300). The first fence (400) will be described in detail in thefollowing using the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a camera moduleaccording to a third exemplary embodiment of present invention, and FIG.15 is a front view of FIG. 14 .

The second fence (1500) may be coupled with the first fence (1400) at arear surface of the first fence, and may function to ground the boardpart (1300) by being electrically connected with the board part (1300).

When a power is supplied to the camera module from an outside powersource, the camera module may be generated with a static electricity.Particularly, the static electricity generated by the board part (1300)may affect an ill effect to the performance of camera module.

For example, the static electricity generated by the board part (1300)may generate an electromagnetic noise, and this noise may be a cause ofmoving a photographed image or degrading an image quality, such that thenoise may deteriorate the EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) of cameramodule.

In order to solve the aforementioned problem, there is a need of theboard part (1300) being grounded to remove or reduce the staticelectricity generated from the board part (1300), where the second fence(1500) may function as a grounding part in the third exemplaryembodiment.

In order to allow the second fence (1500) to function as a groundingpart, the board part (1300) and the second fence (500) must beelectrically connected, and this electrical connected structure will bedescribed in detail in the following using the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated in FIG. 15 , the second fence (1500) may surround thefirst fence (1400) at a rear side of the first fence (1400), and may betherefore coupled with the first fence (1400). At this time, the secondfence (1500) may be attachably and detachably coupled with the firstfence (1400).

The second fence (1500) may be formed with a hook (1520) in order toallow being attachably and detachably coupled with the first fence(1400). Furthermore, the first fence (1400) may be formed at an areacorresponding to that of the hook (1520) with a through hole (1440)coupled by the hook (1520).

The hook (1520) may be elastically deformable such that the hook (1520)may be coupled or detached from the through hole (1440) while beingelastically deformed, whereby the second fence (1500) may be attachablyand detachably coupled with the first fence (1400).

As illustrated in FIG. 15 , the camera module according to the presentexemplary embodiment may further include a finger (1600). The finger(1600) may function to electrically connect the board part (300) and thesecond fence (1500).

For example, the finger (1600) may electrically connect the second fence(1500) and the third board (1313). The finger (1600) may be coupled withthe third board (1313), and the second fence (1500) may be formed at anarea corresponding to that of the finger (1600) with a pressure part(1510) applying a pressure to the finger (1600).

Because of this structure, the pressure part (1510) applies a pressureto the finger (1600), whereby the pressure part (1510) and the finger(1600) are mutually contacted, and as a result, the second fence (1500)and the board part (1300) including the third board (1313) can bemutually and electrically contacted. The detailed structure of thefinger (1600) and the pressure part (1510) will be explained in detailin the following with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Meantime, the second fence (1500) is adequate to be formed with aconductive material, e.g., an electrically conductive metal material toallow a static electricity generated from the board part (1300) to flowto the second fence (1500) by being electrically connected to the thirdboard (1313).

FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a camera module of FIG. 15 removed ofsecond fence (1500) according to a third exemplary embodiment of presentinvention, FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating FIG. 16 rotated about a zaxis, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a first fence(1400) according to a third exemplary embodiment of present invention.

The first fence (1400) may be coupled with the board part (1300) tofunction to space a plurality of PCBs apart to an optical axisdirection, and may include a body coupling part (1430), a firstprotrusion (1410) and a second protrusion (1420).

The body coupling part (1430) may be so formed as to be coupled with thefront body (1200) at one side of first fence, i.e., a front side of thefirst fence. At this time, the body coupling part (1430) may beinterposed between the front body (1200) and the first board (1311) tobe coupled to the front body (1200) and the first board (1311).

At this time, the front body (1200), the body coupling part (1430) andthe first board (1311) may be mutually coupled by a fastening device(1810) (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ). Because of this structure, the board part(1300) including the first board (1311) may be coupled with the frontbody (1200) by the first fence (1400).

At this time, the body coupling part (1430) may be formed with a throughhole to allow the image sensor (1700) mounted at a front surface of thefirst board (1311) to mutually face the lens part (1100), as illustratedin FIG. 18 .

The first protrusion (1410) may support a front surface, e.g., onesurface of the PCB (1310). The second protrusion (1420) may support arear surface, e.g., the other surface of PCB (1310). Thus, the first andsecond protrusions (1410, 1420) may be so formed as to be spaced apartto an optical axis direction, and this discrete distance may correspondto a thickness of each PCB (1310), e.g., the thickness of second board(1312), and the third board (1313).

The second board (1312) and the third board (1313) may be coupled withthe first fence (1400) by the first protrusion (1410) and the secondprotrusion (1420), and may be so disposed as to be spaced apart to anoptical axis direction.

That is, the second board (1312) and the third board (1313) may beinserted between the first and second protrusions (1410, 1420) to becoupled with the first fence (1400). Meanwhile, the first board (1311)may be coupled to the body coupling part (1430) by the fastening device(1810) to be inhibited from being inserted between the first and secondprotrusions (1410, 1420), as mentioned before.

Because of this structure, the first and second protrusions (1410, 1420)at the first fence (1400) in the present exemplary embodiment may bedisposed at three areas each spaced apart to an optical axis direction.This is because the 2-1 board (1312-1), the 2-2 board (1312-2) and thethird board (1313) are inserted between the first and second protrusions(1410, 1420) in the third exemplary embodiment.

The mutually discrete position of the first board (1311), the 2-1 board(1312-2) and the third board (1313) to the optical axis direction may bedetermined by each discrete position to the optical axis direction ofthe first and second protrusions (1410, 1420).

In the third exemplary embodiment, use of first fence (1400) includingthe body coupling part (1430), the first protrusion (1410) and thesecond protrusion (1420) may accomplish an effect of easily aligning ata predetermined gap to an optical axis direction the plurality of PCBs(1310) mounted on the board part (1300) of camera module.

Furthermore, the first fence (1400) may be so formed as to surround theboard part (1300), and therefore may function to partially shield theelectromagnetic wave generated from the board part (1300).

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view illustrating ‘A’ portion of FIG.13 .

The finger (1600) may include a board coupling part (1610) and anelastic deformation part (1620). The board coupling part (1610) may becoupled with the third board (1313). At this time, the board couplingpart (1610) and the third board (1313) may be mutually coupled by usinga soldering and a conductive adhesive. The elastic deformation part(1620) may be elastically deformed by being extensively formed from theboard coupling part (1610).

The second fence (1500) and the third board (1313) can be mutually andelectrically connected by the second fence (1500) applying a pressure tothe elastic deformation part (1620). At this time, the second fence(1500) may include a pressure part (1510) applying a pressure to thefinger (1600) by being protrusively formed to a direction of the boardpart (1300).

When the pressure part (1510) contacts the elastic deformation part(1620) to apply a pressure to the elastic deformation part (1620), theelastic deformation part (1620) is generated with an elasticdeformation, whereby the pressure part (1510) and the elasticdeformation part (1620) can be more securely and electrically connectedto thereby inhibit an electrical disconnection between the pressure part(1510) and the elastic deformation part (1620).

That is, when the second fence (1500) is coupled with the first fence(1400), a distal end of the pressure part (1510) is disposed at aposition lower than an upper surface of the elastic deformation part(1620), whereby the elastic deformation part (1620) may be generatedwith deformation, and simultaneously may generate a definite contactwith the pressure part (1510), and as a result, the pressure part (1510)and the elastic deformation part can be definitely and electricallyconnected without the electrical disconnection.

When the pressure part (1510) and the elastic deformation part (1620)are electrically connected, the second fence (1500) including thepressure part (1510), the finger including the elastic deformation part(1620) and the board part (1300) including the finger (1600) can beelectrically connected.

As a result, the static electricity generated from the board part (1300)can flow to the electrically connected second fence (1500), and thesecond fence (1500) can function as a grounding part, whereby the staticelectricity generated from the board part (1300) can be removed orsignificantly reduced.

In the third exemplary embodiment, the board part (1300) and the secondfence (1500) are electrically connected to allow the static electricitygenerated from the board part (1300) to flow to the second fence (1500),and the second fence (1500) may function as a grounding part, wherebythere may be an effect of the static electricity generated from theboard part (1300) being removed or significantly reduced.

Furthermore, the removal or definite reduction of static electricitygenerated from the board part (1300) may produce an effect of inhibitingthe degraded image quality of camera module and deterioration of EMC(Electro Magnetic Compatibility).

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a third board (1313) and afinger (1600) according to a third exemplary embodiment of presentinvention, and FIG. 21 is a lateral view illustrating a finger (1600)according to a third exemplary embodiment of present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 20 , the finger (1600) may be coupled with a rearsurface of third board (1313) disposed at a rearmost side in the PCBs(1310). Furthermore, the finger (1600) may be disposed at an areaopposite to the pressure part (1510) formed at the second fence (1500)to an optical axis direction.

Furthermore, the finger (1600) may be formed in the same number as thatof the pressure part (1510). Although FIG. 20 has illustrated twofingers (1600), the present invention is not limited thereto, and onefinger or more than three fingers (1600) may be also formed.

In addition, the position of finger (1600) is not particularlyrestricted, and the position and the number of finger (1600) may beadequately selected in consideration of detailed structure or an overallstructure of camera module. At this time, the pressure part (1510) maybe formed in correspondence to the position and the number of finger(1600).

As illustrated in FIG. 21 , the elastic deformation part (1620) offinger (1600) may take an S shape when viewed from a lateral surface.However, this is a mere exemplary embodiment, and the elasticdeformation part (1620) may take any shape as long as the elasticdeformation part (1620) is elastically deformed by the pressure part(1510) to allow maintaining a definite electrical and mechanical contactbetween the elastic deformation part (1620) and the pressure part(1510).

Meantime, the finger (1600) may be adequate to be formed with a materialexcellent in wear resistance, fatigue strength, elastic limitation andelectrical conductivity. Thus, the finger (1600) may be formed with aberyllium copper, for example.

Although only several cases have been described with reference toexemplary embodiments as noted above, various types of exemplaryembodiments may be also available. The technical contents of aforesaidexemplary embodiments may be combined in various manners unless thetechnical contents are compatible, through which the technical contentsmay be realized in new exemplary embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device for fixing a circuit board,comprising: a base part; a first fixing part extending in a firstdirection from the base part; and a second fixing part extending in thefirst direction from the base part and spaced apart from the firstfixing part, wherein the first fixing part comprises a first body and afirst protrusion protruding in a second direction perpendicular to thefirst direction from the first body, wherein the second fixing partcomprises a second body and a second protrusion protruding in a thirddirection perpendicular to the first and the second directions from thesecond body, and wherein a length between the first protrusion and thebase part is different from a length between the second protrusion andthe base part.
 2. The device for fixing a circuit board of claim 1,comprising: a PCB (printed circuit board) fixed by the first fixing partand the second fixing part, wherein the PCB is disposed between thefirst protrusion and the second protrusion.
 3. The device for fixing acircuit board of claim 2, wherein ends of the first protrusion and thesecond protrusion are disposed inward from an outer edge of the PCB. 4.The device for fixing a circuit board of claim 2, wherein the PCBcomprises a plurality of PCBs, wherein the plurality of PCBs comprise afirst PCB, and a second PCB electrically connected to the first PCB,wherein the second PCB is spaced apart from the first PCB, wherein animage sensor is disposed on the first PCB, and wherein a connector iscoupled to the first PCB or the second PCB.
 5. The device for fixing acircuit board of claim 1, wherein the base part comprises a firstlateral surface and a second lateral surface, a third lateral surfacedisposed opposite to the first lateral surface, and a fourth lateralsurface disposed opposite to the second lateral surface, wherein thefirst fixing part comprises two first fixing parts and the second fixingpart comprises two second fixing parts, wherein the two first fixingparts protrude from the first lateral surface and the third lateralsurface, respectively, and wherein the two second fixing parts protrudefrom the second lateral surface and the fourth lateral surface,respectively.
 6. The device for fixing a circuit board of claim 1,wherein a length of the first body of the first fixing part in the thirddirection is longer than a length of the second body of the secondfixing part in the second direction.
 7. The device for fixing a circuitboard of claim 1, wherein the first protrusion comprises a first portionextending in the second direction from the lateral surface of the firstbody part, a second portion extending in the third direction from thefirst portion, and a third portion connecting the first portion and thesecond portion, and wherein at least a portion of the first portioncomprises a curved surface.
 8. The device for fixing a circuit board ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first protrusion is incontact with a lower surface of a circuit board, and wherein at least aportion of the second protrusion is in contact with an upper surfacedisposed opposite to the lower surface of the circuit board.
 9. Thedevice for fixing a circuit board of claim 1, wherein the secondprotrusion is disposed higher than the first protrusion.
 10. The devicefor fixing a circuit board of claim 1, wherein the second protrusioncomprises a cutting area that cuts at least a portion of the second bodypart of the second fixing part, and wherein the second protrusion isformed by protruding inward from the cutting part.
 11. The device forfixing a circuit board of claim 1, wherein the second protrusion of thesecond fixing part comprises a portion disposed obliquely with respectto the second body part of the second fixing part.
 12. The device forfixing a circuit board of claim 1, wherein the base part comprises anopening, and wherein a connector is passed through the opening of thebase part.
 13. The device for fixing a circuit board of claim 1, whereinthe first protrusion comprises a plurality of first protrusions, andwherein a protruding length of the plurality of first protrusions isdecreased while being distanced from the base part.
 14. The device forfixing a circuit board of claim 1, wherein the first protrusion and thesecond protrusion inhibit a movement of the PCB in the first direction.15. The device for fixing a circuit board of claim 1, wherein the secondprotrusion comprises a plurality of second protrusions, and wherein thesecond fixing part is formed with a step portion formed between theplurality of second protrusions.
 16. The device for fixing a circuitboard of claim 1, wherein the PCB comprises a plurality of PCBs, whereinthe plurality of PCBs comprise a rigid circuit board in which aplurality of vertically mutually opposite boards is stacked up, and aflexible circuit board mutually and electrically connecting theplurality of rigid circuit boards, and wherein the plurality of PCBs arerespectively formed with escape grooves, each having a mutuallydifferent size, in order to inhibit interference with at least a portionof the first protrusion of the first fixing part.
 17. A device forfixing a circuit board, comprising: a base part; a first fixing partextending in a first direction from the base part; and a second fixingpart extending in the first direction from the base part and spacedapart from the first fixing part, wherein the first fixing partcomprises a first body and a first protrusion protruding in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction from the first body,wherein the second fixing part comprises a second body and a secondprotrusion protruding in a third direction perpendicular to the firstand the second directions from the second body, wherein the firstprotrusion comprises a plurality of first protrusions, and wherein aprotruding length of the plurality of first protrusions is decreasedwhile being distanced from the base part.
 18. The device for fixing acircuit board of claim 17, wherein the first protrusion is formed bybending a protruded area from a lateral surface of the first body of thefirst fixing part.
 19. The device for fixing a circuit board of claim17, wherein the base part comprises a first lateral surface and a secondlateral surface, a third lateral surface disposed opposite to the firstlateral surface, and a fourth lateral surface disposed opposite to thesecond lateral surface, wherein the first fixing part comprises twofirst fixing parts and the second fixing part comprises two secondfixing parts, wherein the two first fixing parts protrude from the firstlateral surface and the third lateral surface, respectively, and whereinthe two second fixing parts protrude from the second lateral surface andthe fourth lateral surface, respectively.
 20. A device for fixing acircuit board, comprising: a base part; a first fixing part extending ina first direction from the base part; a second fixing part extending inthe first direction from the base part and spaced apart from the firstfixing part; and wherein the first fixing part comprises a first bodyand a first protrusion protruding in a second direction perpendicular tothe first direction from the first body, wherein the second fixing partcomprises a second body and a second protrusion protruding in a thirddirection perpendicular to the first and the second directions from thesecond body.